Post Tensioned Special Inspections
Post-tensioning is a specialised method used in bridge construction to enhance the strength of concrete by tensioning high-strength steel tendons after the concrete has cured. This technique provides improved structural capacity compared to traditional reinforced concrete. To ensure the integrity and longevity of post-tensioned bridges, regular and thorough inspections are essential.
At Investigo, we offer specialized Post-Tensioned Special Inspections (PTSI) in line with CS 465 - Management of Post-Tensioned Concrete Bridges. We work closely with clients to identify potential concerns early in the process, advising on the necessary investigative works and providing tailored solutions. Our phased approach to inspections is designed to reduce unnecessary costs while focusing on the most critical areas of the structure that require detailed investigation.
Once the inspections are complete, we provide our clients with a detailed, interpretive report that includes all findings, laboratory test results, and an evaluation of the condition of the post-tensioning system. Our reports offer clear recommendations for any necessary follow-up investigations or repairs, ensuring that clients have all the information needed to make informed decisions regarding their infrastructure. Whether you need advice on further investigative techniques or insights into potential repair methods, Investigo is committed to delivering comprehensive, actionable results that help maintain the safety and longevity of post-tensioned bridges.
Inspections
Principal Inspections are in-depth evaluations conducted to assess the overall condition of a bridge, tunnel, or culvert, identifying any serious issues that could affect its safety or functionality. These inspections involve a hands-on, close-up examination of all structural elements to ensure every detail is thoroughly checked for potential problems.
In contrast, General Inspections are routine, ground-level assessments designed to spot emerging issues that could escalate over time. These inspections act as regular check-ups to help maintain the bridge's safety and operational integrity, providing early detection of potential concerns.
At Investigo, our experienced engineers carry out both Principal and General Inspections in compliance with CS450 – Inspection of Highway Structures. With teams trained in PASMA, IPAF, and IRATA rope access, we are fully equipped to undertake inspections on any bridge, tunnel, or culvert across the UK and Ireland, regardless of height or location.
In addition, we offer Specialist Inspections (SI), tailored to our clients' needs. These inspections utilize advanced techniques and equipment to address specific requirements, ensuring that every project benefits from our comprehensive expertise.
ICorr Paint Surveys & Protective Coatings Inspections
At Investigo, our team of ICorr Level 1 and Level 2 certified protective coatings inspectors is equipped to provide a full range of inspection and testing services. Our expertise covers all aspects of protective coatings, from QA and OC inspections to equipment control and calibration.
We offer a variety of services including the production of written instructions and specifications, as well as the capability to carry out testing works on coating systems and materials. Our team conducts thorough corrosion assessments and manages the control and testing of blasting abrasives to ensure the best preparation for coating applications.
In addition, we perform contamination testing and sampling, evaluate coating systems and paint formulations, and conduct paint film testing to ensure optimal application quality. Our inspectors are skilled in identifying coating faults and defects, applying metallic coatings, and implementing cathodic protection systems.
Investigo provides both factual and interpretive reports that detail all findings, offering valuable insights into the integrity and effectiveness of the protective coatings. Whether you require routine inspection or specialized coatings services, Investigo’s qualified team ensures the highest standards of quality and safety for your assets.
Metallic Inspection & Sampling
Investigo offers comprehensive metallic inspection and sampling services to evaluate the integrity of metal structures. Our expert team conducts a range of advanced testing to assess strength, durability, and condition.
- Hardness Vickers (HV) Testing: We measure material resistance to indentation, ensuring its durability for specific applications.
- Tensile Strength Testing: This test evaluates a material’s ability to withstand tension, helping determine its load-bearing capacity.
- Compression Testing of Cast Iron Cores: We assess the ability of cast iron cores to withstand compressive forces, identifying potential weaknesses.
- Loss in Section: We measure material loss due to wear, corrosion, or damage, evaluating its impact on structural strength.
- Loss in Strength Due to Fire Damage: Our team evaluates the effect of fire exposure on metallic structures, ensuring their safety and integrity after thermal damage.
- Weld Testing: Our teams can undertake MPI and dye penetration testing to structural welds to identify hidden defects.
Investigo provides detailed, interpretive reports to guide maintenance, repairs, or replacements, helping clients make informed decisions about their assets.
Scour Assessments
Bridge scour refers to the erosion or removal of sediment around a bridge’s foundations caused by the flow of water. This process can significantly impact the stability of the bridge’s foundation, posing a risk to its safety and integrity.
Investigo specializes in Stage 2 scour assessments for bridges, conducted in line with Network Rail’s NR/SP/CIV/080 and DMRB BD 97/12 standards. These assessments require detailed information about the foundation’s material composition, voiding, depth, and underlying layers. To gather this critical data, we utilize diamond-tipped core drilling to obtain samples from the full depth of the foundation.
Our team of experienced engineers ensures precise core logs and a quick turnaround, delivering reliable results to clients. Additionally, our engineers are DEFRA-trained for working in water, and we can provide boat access if needed. With in-house RYA Level 2 qualified personnel, we offer efficient and safe access solutions for water-based investigations.
Underwater Examinations
Investigo provides specialized underwater examination services, ensuring the thorough assessment of submerged structures in compliance with Network Rail standards. Our experienced team conducts topographic surveys and detailed inspections to evaluate the condition of underwater infrastructure, such as bridge foundations, piers, and other critical components that are exposed to the elements beneath the waterline.
We understand the complexities of working in aquatic environments and offer a range of access solutions to suit the specific needs of each project. Our access methods include pontoon setups, which provide stable platforms for examination and testing, as well as rope access and boat-based inspections. This flexibility allows us to reach challenging or remote areas that may otherwise be difficult to access.
Whether for routine inspections, damage assessments, or condition monitoring, our team uses advanced techniques and equipment to deliver precise, reliable results. We ensure that all underwater examinations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with the required industry standards.
GPR & Tomography
Investigo utilises advanced Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Ultrasonic Pulse Tomography (UPT) to conduct non-destructive investigations of concrete structures. These cutting-edge technologies are essential for accurately locating post-tension ducts and determining as-built details without the need for intrusive methods.
Our Tomography services allow us to identify voids within post-tension ducts, providing valuable insights into the structure’s integrity. By using these non-destructive techniques, we can pinpoint potential issues such as voids or air pockets that could affect the strength and stability of the structure. If necessary, we conduct follow-up intrusive investigations to confirm the presence of voids and assess their severity.
Additionally, we offer thickness estimation services, enabling us to accurately measure the depth of concrete and other materials, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the structure’s condition.
Investigo’s engineers are highly experienced in using GPR and Tomography to deliver precise results, enabling clients to make informed decisions about further inspections, maintenance, or repairs. We are committed to providing safe, efficient, and accurate assessments for all types of infrastructure projects.
Condition Testing
Investigo offers a wide range of condition testing services to assess the health and durability of concrete and masonry structures. Our team utilizes various testing methods to provide accurate insights into the condition of your infrastructure.
- Half-Cell Potential Testing: Used to assess the likelihood of corrosion in reinforced concrete by measuring the electrical potential difference within the structure.
- Resistivity Testing: This test evaluates the electrical resistivity of concrete, helping to assess the risk of reinforcement corrosion.
- Grout and Concrete Lab Testing: We conduct comprehensive lab tests on grout and concrete samples to measure chlorides, cement content, sulphates, and alkalis, all of which can impact material durability.
- Carbonation Testing of Concrete: This test measures the depth of carbonation in concrete, which is essential for understanding the rate of deterioration and potential corrosion risks.
- Concrete Core Lab Testing: Our laboratory analysis includes testing concrete cores for compressive strength, petrographic analysis, ISAT (Initial Surface Absorption Test), and other tests to evaluate concrete quality and performance.
- Masonry Cores Lab Testing: We perform compressive strength testing and analysis of masonry cores to determine structural integrity.
- Schmidt Hammer Testing: This non-destructive test measures the surface hardness of concrete, offering an indication of its compressive strength.
- Covermeter: We use covermeters to locate reinforcement bars within concrete and measure the depth of cover to ensure proper protection against corrosion.
Investigo provides detailed reports on all test results, helping clients understand the condition of their structures and make informed decisions on maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
High Alumina Cement Testing
Investigo offers specialised testing for structures containing High Alumina Cement (HAC), which is known for its fast-setting properties but can be prone to deterioration over time. Our testing services are designed to evaluate the condition of structures made with HAC, ensuring safety and longevity.
- Visual Inspection: Our experienced engineers perform detailed visual inspections to identify signs of deterioration or damage associated with high alumina cement, such as cracking or spalling.
- Hammer Tap Testing: This method helps assess the internal condition of concrete by tapping the surface to detect voids or areas of weakness.
- Schmidt Hammer Testing: A non-destructive method to measure the surface hardness of concrete, providing an indication of the material’s compressive strength and potential deterioration.
- Petrographic Analysis of Concrete Samples: We analyze concrete lump samples using petrography to assess the composition and detect any signs of chemical reactions or degradation within the material.
- Dust Drillings for HAC Content Testing: We conduct dust drilling to extract samples for testing the content of high alumina cement, which is critical for understanding the structural stability.
Investigo conducts thorough testing on both bridges and buildings to both identify the presence and ensure the integrity of structures containing high alumina cement, providing clients with detailed reports on the findings and any recommended actions.
Investigative Coring
Investigo provides investigative coring services to gain a deeper understanding of the condition and construction of bridges, tunnels, and other structures. Our team utilises advanced techniques to uncover critical details and ensure the structural integrity of your assets.
- Determine As-Built Details: We use coring to uncover the original construction details of bridges, enabling accurate assessments of materials and structural elements.
- Wall & Arch Barrel Thickness: Coring allows us to measure the thickness of walls and arch barrels, providing insight into the structural capacity and identifying potential issues.
- Locate Voids: Our core sampling helps identify voids within the structure, which could indicate weaknesses or areas of deterioration that require attention.
- Endoscope Inspection: We use endoscopes to conduct internal inspections through small core openings, allowing us to examine hard-to-reach areas without further disruption to the structure.
- Access Solutions: With Rope Access, PASMA, and other specialized techniques, our team can perform coring and inspections in challenging locations, ensuring a thorough investigation no matter the environment.
Investigo’s investigative coring services provide essential data to inform repairs, maintenance, and future planning for infrastructure projects.
